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Background and Objective: Considering the extensive cultivation of wheat in the drylands of Kermanshah province and farmers' lack of proper management of plant residues, it is necessary to think of a solution for the appropriate management of residues and wheat cultivation. For this purpose, an experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of different tillage systems on soil physical characteristics and quantitative traits of varying wheat cultivars in the drylands of the Dalahoo region. Materials and Methods: A split-plot experiment was conducted using a randomized complete block design with three replications. Tillage systems (conventional, reduced, and no-tillage) were investigated as main plots, and 26 wheat genotypes were analyzed as secondary plots. Soil physical characteristics and wheat yield and yield components were also investigated. Results: The results showed significant changes in the physical characteristics of the soil, the change of soil organic matter, and the yield and yield components of wheat. They were affected by tillage systems, genotype, and the interaction effect of tillage in genotype. The results showed that with increasing depth, soil temperature decreased, and soil moisture increased. Conclusion: In no-till cultivation, the change of soil organic matter was less than in other tillage systems. The highest wheat grain yield (6658 kg.ha-1 ) was under the interaction effect of the Mirzabey (Durum) genotype (genotype 24) in the no-tillage system. Conservation tillage proves the importance of residues on the soil surface in maintaining moisture in drylands, and probably in Dalahoo areas, conservation tillage methods are better for improving yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Changes in soil resulting from agricultural practices can lead to acidification and the accumulation of toxic elements, such as Al3+. In acidic soils, aluminium solubility decreases nutrient availability, causing biochemical and morphophysiological changes that impede plant growth. This study aimed to determine how native species respond to the effects of Al3+ and its impact on their persistence in the environment. Soil samples were collected in areas with and without Al3+ in a natural regeneration zone. Leaves of three herbaceous species prevalent in the rainy season underwent biochemical analysis. The results revealed that Al3+ influenced enzymatic activity in Ayenia erecta, reducing superoxide dismutase and increasing ascorbate peroxidase and catalase. Pavonia varians exhibited an accumulation of H2O2 and a reduction in ascorbate peroxidase, while Sida galheirensis demonstrated an accumulation of sucrose and a reduction in proline levels in areas affected by Al3+, without changes in enzymatic activity or the accumulation of reactive oxygen species. The presence of 0.31 cmolc/dm³ of Al3+ was insufficient to induce lipid peroxidation in the studied species. Overall, the species responded differently to aluminium, impacting oxidative stress and potentially influencing their survival in the environment. These results provide insights into conservation practices and sustainable management in arid areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dry forests are one of the most threatened ecosystems in the world, and they are poorly protected. The semiarid region of northeastern Brazil is the largest area in the New World with a predominance of dry forests, although it has been estimated that half of Brazil’s original semiarid vegetation has already been removed. This study assesses the extent of changes in areas covered by native dry forests (Caatinga) over a period of 46 years (1973–2019) in the southern portion of the semiarid region in Brazil’s State of Bahia. The study area encompasses 18 municipalities (counties) with a total area 2,344,733 ha. To map changes in vegetation cover, Landsat satellite images were used for the years 1973, 1987, 2001, and 2019. The area with native vegetation was reduced by 614,100 ha between 1973 and 2019. The area with vegetation declined in all municipalities; however, the intensity of changes in land use varied among the analyzed periods, with 77.1% of the reduction in vegetation cover occurring between 1973 and 1987. In the 1990s, the intensity of cutting of native vegetation decreased, mainly due to a decrease in the area planted to cotton, while natural regeneration increased. Cutting native vegetation resumed in the 2000s while regeneration declined. In 2019, the remaining vegetation was almost completely restricted to hills or mountains and was in fragments composed of a mosaic of vegetation in different stages of regeneration. Areas that still have native vegetation must be preserved, including those that are regenerating from past clearing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Protein malnutrition is present in developing countries but also in developed ones due to actual eating habits involving insufficient protein intake. In addition to this, it is estimated by the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations that the world's population will increase to 9.1 billion people in less than 30 years. This poses a significant challenge in terms of nourishing the population. Different strategies have been proposed to address this challenge, including exploring novel protein sources such as plants. For instance, Prosopis alba pods have an 85.5% protein content. Other examples are microorganisms, such as Halobacillus adaensis which produces 571 U/mL of protease, and insects such as those belonging to the Orthoptera order, like grasshoppers, which have a protein content of 65.96%. These sources have been found in dry lands and are being explored to address this challenge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The chemical transformation of selenium (Se) in the topsoil, especially when regarded as low to sufficient Se (with high bioavailability) in dry arid environments, has great importance in the alkaline soils to yield Se-enriched food regionally. The Se content in the highly alkaline soil of the northwest region of China has inordinate agriculture economic potential, and such soil distribution is likely to produce Se-enriched crops with distinct features. One such large area of Zhongwei was investigated for the distribution of soil Se and its bioavailability, and the influencing chemical factors of soil total Se (T-Se) and bioavailable Se (B-Se) in the agroecosystem. The results suggested that the T-Se in Zhongwei soils (mg/kg) ranged from 0.01 to 0.55 with a mean of 0.2 ± 0.08, which was lower than the average Se distribution of both China (0.29 mg/kg) and the world (0.40 mg/kg). However, the overall B-Se proportion (16%) in T-Se was adequately higher than in other Se-rich soils. Spatial distribution depicted that the T-Se was specified as deficient in 42.6% and sufficient in 55.5% of the studied area, while Zhongning county was prominent with a higher B-Se proportion (22%) in the T-Se of Zhongwei. The influencing factors, such as pH and organic matter (OM), showed significant association with B-Se, as suggested by Pearson's correlation and multiple linear regression (MLR). Furthermore, the vertical distribution of T-Se and B-Se was higher in agricultural soil (AS) than in natural soil (NS) and can be justified in the context of their association with OM. Based on these results, the Se-fortified crops can be yielded by practices to improve corresponding influencing chemical factors of soil, especially in dry areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seasonally dry tropical forests and woodlands (SDTFW) represent one of the world's most endangered biomes. Approximately 56.3% of its species are non-woody, but little is known about their functional adaptations. The reproductive phenologies of 75 SDTFW species (supplementary material A 1) were studied according to their life forms and seed dispersal syndromes in northeastern Brazil. We used circular statistics and the GLM to assess their seasonalities and relationships of their phenologies with environmental variables. The community exhibited continuous pattern of flowering and fruiting. Flowering and fruiting by most species occurred during only a short period of time and were found to be related to rainfall and photoperiod. Moderate peaks in the seasonal activities of therophytes, hemicryptophytes, and camephytes were observed during the rainy season; succulents and epiphytes flowered all year around but fruited only seasonally. Dispersal modes exhibited seasonality of fruiting in the rainy season, with autochory being predominant over zoochory and anemochory. The observed overlapping of fruiting and flowering periods ensures a consistent resource supply throughout the year and contributes to the preservation of vital ecosystem services. These data highlight the importance of conserving these unique semiarid environments and also provide insights for conservation efforts aimed at preserving SDTFW and safeguarding their biodiversity. [Display omitted] • The herbaceous community exhibited aseasonal flowering and fruiting. • Therophytes, hemicryptophytes, and camephytes reproduced seasonally in the rainy season. • Succulents and epiphytes flowered all year around. • Dispersal modes showed seasonality of fruiting in the rainy season. • Photoperiod and rainfall were positively related to flowering and fruiting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Protein malnutrition is present in developing countries but also in developed ones due to actual eating habits involving insufficient protein intake. In addition to this, it is estimated by the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations that the world’s population will increase to 9.1 billion people in less than 30 years. This poses a significant challenge in terms of nourishing the population. Different strategies have been proposed to address this challenge, including exploring novel protein sources such as plants. For instance, Prosopis alba pods have an 85.5% protein content. Other examples are microorganisms, such as Halobacillus adaensis which produces 571 U/mL of protease, and insects such as those belonging to the Orthoptera order, like grasshoppers, which have a protein content of 65.96%. These sources have been found in dry lands and are being explored to address this challenge.

In the northeastern Patagonian region, soils show marked heterogeneity, mainly due to their texture. It is also observed strong degradation processes in this region. The objective was to estimate survival rate of native species in ecological rehabilitation trials in degraded areas, on soils of different textures, and evaluate recruitment around surviving transplanted individuals at each site. Studies were performed in three sites that had a similar land use history, in loamy, sandy loam and sandy soils. At each site, three 100 m2 plots, excluded from cattle grazing were installed. Individuals of woody (Condalia microphylla, Geoffroea decorticans, Prosopis flexuosa y Schinus johnstonii) and herbaceous (Nassella longiglumis, Nassella tenuis, Pappophorum caespitosum and Piptochaetium napostaense), native species were transplanted. Recruitment was estimated in 50x50 cm plots, leaving the surviving transplanted individual in the center. Survival rate and recruitment were estimated four years after transplantation. Recruitment was categorized into forage and non-forage woody plants and annual or perennial, forage, and non-forage herbaceous plants. Soil texture seems did not influence in survival of herbaceous transplanted species, but it did in a woody plant (S. johnstonii), that was significantly higher in sandy loam soils. Richness of recruited woody and herbaceous species was similar between sites, except for annual non-forage herbaceous plants, being richer in loam and sandy loam sites. Transplanted woody species recruitment was not detected, but recruitment of other native woody species was recorded, and the recruitment of perennial herbaceous species was only of the transplanted species. Recruitment density did not show correspondence with soil texture, except for forage and non-forage annual herbaceous species, that was higher at the loam and sandy loam sites, respectively. Most of the selected species presented survival rates that make them suitable for ecological rehabilitation projects. Seed supply of each site would have a preponderant importance to recruitment recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The chemical transformation of selenium (Se) in the topsoil, especially when regarded as low to sufficient Se (with high bioavailability) in dry arid environments, has great importance in the alkaline soils to yield Se-enriched food regionally. The Se content in the highly alkaline soil of the northwest region of China has inordinate agriculture economic potential, and such soil distribution is likely to produce Se-enriched crops with distinct features. One such large area of Zhongwei was investigated for the distribution of soil Se and its bioavailability, and the influencing chemical factors of soil total Se (T-Se) and bioavailable Se (B-Se) in the agroecosystem. The results suggested that the T-Se in Zhongwei soils (mg/kg) ranged from 0.01 to 0.55 with a mean of 0.2 ± 0.08, which was lower than the average Se distribution of both China (0.29 mg/kg) and the world (0.40 mg/kg). However, the overall B-Se proportion (16%) in T-Se was adequately higher than in other Se-rich soils. Spatial distribution depicted that the T-Se was specified as deficient in 42.6% and sufficient in 55.5% of the studied area, while Zhongning county was prominent with a higher B-Se proportion (22%) in the T-Se of Zhongwei. The influencing factors, such as pH and organic matter (OM), showed significant association with B-Se, as suggested by Pearson’s correlation and multiple linear regression (MLR). Furthermore, the vertical distribution of T-Se and B-Se was higher in agricultural soil (AS) than in natural soil (NS) and can be justified in the context of their association with OM. Based on these results, the Se-fortified crops can be yielded by practices to improve corresponding influencing chemical factors of soil, especially in dry areas.

Recent decades have witnessed a danger to food security as well as to human health because of pollutants’ negative impact on crop quality. An accurate estimate of the heavy metal concentrations in Egypt’s north Nile Delta is required to lower the high concentration levels of heavy metal in the soil as a means to develop a remediation strategy that stabilizes heavy metals in contaminated soil. Using a geo-accumulation index (I-geo), contamination factor (CF), Improved Nemerow’s Pollution Index (Pn), and Potential Ecological Risk Index (PERI), supported by GIS; principal component analysis (PCA), and cluster analysis, six heavy metals (As, Co, Cu, Ni, V, and Zn) were analyzed from 15 soil profile layers (61 soil samples) to determine the extent of the soil contamination in the area studied. The findings demonstrate the widespread I-geo contamination of As, Co, Cu, Ni, V, and Zn in different layers. The ranges for the I-geo values were from −8.2 to 5.3; 4.11 to 1.8; 6.4 to 1.9; −9.7 to 2.8; −6.3 to 2.9; and from −12.5 to 2.4 for As, Co, Cu, Ni, V, and Zn, respectively. I-geo categorization therefore ranged from uncontaminated to strongly/extremely contaminated. The CF values varied from 0.01 to 60.6; 0.09 to 5.17; 0.02 to 10.51; 0 to 10.51; 0.02 to 7.12; and 0 to 7.68 for As, Co, Cu, Ni, V, and Zn, respectively. In decreasing sequence, the CFs are arranged as follows: CF (As), CF (Ni), CF (Zn), CF (V), CF (Cu), and CF (Co). Most of the research region (71.9%) consisted of a class of moderately to heavily polluted areas. Additionally, a large portion of the study region (49.17%) has a very high risk of contamination, as per the results of the PERI index. The use of a correlation matrix, cluster analysis, and principal component analysis(PCA) to evaluate the variability in the soil’s chemical content revealed the impact from anthropogenic activities on the heavy metal concentration levels in the study area’s soil. The current findings reflect the poor quality of management in the research region, which led to the increase in the concentration of heavy metals in the soil. Decision-makers could use the outcomes from the spatial distribution maps for contaminants and their levels as a basis for creating heavy metal mitigation strategies.

In this study, the Land Use Dynamic Simulator model was applied to investigate the impact of farm credit as an adaptation strategy to cope with effects of climate variability on agricultural land‐use change and crop production in the Vea watershed in Ghana. The authors identified the determinants of crop choices within the landscape (e.g., farm household and biophysical characteristics of farm plot). The crop choice sub‐model was then linked to the crop yield sub‐model to determine the yields of selected crops. In adapting to the impacts of climate variability, the maize credit adoption sub‐model under the maize cultivation credit scenario was integrated into decision‐making. This was simulated for a 20‐year period, and compared with the business‐as‐usual scenario. Under the simulated maize credit scenario, maize adopters increased from about 20 per cent to about 50 per cent and the area allocated for maize cultivation significantly increased by about 266 per cent. Consequently, the average annual aggregated household crop yield increased by 6.3 per cent higher than in the business‐as‐usual scenario. This simulation study shows that access to maize credit can significantly influence agricultural land‐use change and food availability in the study area. However, although access to farm credit may translate into food availability, the sustainability of this strategy is questionable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The chemical composition and structure of the soil strongly affect the growth and development of plants. Ecophysiologically, the effects of soil are translated in changes in plant primary and secondary metabolism. Among the secondary metabolites of plants affected by soil properties are essential oils. In this work, we resume our study on the effect of soil properties on the accumulation of essential oils in two spontaneous plants growing in Algerian semiarid region: Rosmarinus officinalis L. and Thymus algeriensis Boiss & Reut. after studying the effect of climate on these plants in the same period (2010–2014) and at the same collection site in our previous study. The results showed significant differences (P < 0.001) between the oil contents during the period of the study in both plants. The yield of oils was significantly affected by the soil parameters. The pH, total calcium carbonate (CCE), active calcium carbonate (ACCE), and N:P ratio exhibited significant positive correlation (P < 0.001 and P < 0.05) with Rosmarinus officinalis essential oil amount contrary to total nitrogen and salinity that had negative effects. Regarding Thymus algeriensis, the pH, salinity, and N:P ratio had a significant positive effect (P < 0.001) on the content of essential oil. However, CCE, ACCE, and carbon exerted negative effects on oil amount. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract World is facing agrarian as well as nutritional challenges. Agricultural lands with irrigation facilities have been exploited to maximum, and hence we need to focus on dry lands to further increase grain production. Owing to low fertility, utilization of dry lands to produce sufficient quality grains is a big challenge. Millets as climate change compliant crops score highly over other grains like wheat and rice in terms of marginal growing conditions and high nutritional value. These nutri-cereals abode vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids, phyto-chemicals and antioxidants that can help to eradicate the plethora of nutritional deficiency diseases. Millets cultivation can keep dry lands productive and ensure future food and nutritional security.

Wind erosion is a serious environmental issue caused by the interaction between various climatic and terrestrial factors. Using the ridge regression (RR) method, the present study aimed to investigate the relationship between these parameters and dust storm index (DSI) in arid regions of Central Iran during 2000–2014. The removal area of soil particles in the dustiest season was further detected via sand and dust roses. The results showed that the highest activity of wind erosion occurred in spring (DSI > 1). The RR analysis indicated that only the air temperature changes had a significant positive effect on DSI variations during the first period (β = +0.38; p <.05). For the second period, decreased precipitation and increased wind velocity were identified as the most important factors influencing the DSI variations. The estimated regression coefficients concerning precipitation and wind speed at 95% confidence level were (−1.02) and (+0.51), respectively. Based on the R2 value, 27% of the DSI changes could be explained by the air temperature variations in the first period. However, approximately 50% of the DSI variations were explained by the rainfall and wind speed changes in the second period. These results illustrate the effective application of RR to elucidate the relationship of climatic and terrestrial factors with DSI. It was further observed that the removal area of soil particles in the northeastern, southeastern, and western parts of Central Iran was easterly, northerly, and westerly, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The response of vegetation to drought in Central Asia (CA) is nonlinear. • The responses of four vegetation indices to drought in CA were compared. • Spatial patterns of vegetation responses to drought in CA were quantified. • Lagged effect of drought on vegetation in CA was greater than cumulative effect. Central Asia (CA) is an arid region sensitive to climate change, and with the increase in drought events due to global warming, droughts are posing more severe threats to the vegetation in CA. However, the response of vegetation in CA to the cumulative and time-lag effects of prolonged drought remains unclear. This has limited our understanding of the mechanisms by which vegetation responds to meteorological drought in arid regions. To clarify the response of vegetation to drought in CA, this study analyzed the effects of drought and meteorological factors on vegetation growth dynamics. The extent of vegetation response to the cumulative and time-lag effects from 2001 to 2020 was evaluated using three satellite-derived vegetation indices (NDVI, EVI, NIRv) and the solar-induced chlorophyll fluorescence (SIF) and standardized precipitation evapotranspiration index (SPEI). We used the Copula-Bayes conditional probability method to assess the drought thresholds for vegetation under two scenarios: mild and severe losses. The effects of soil moisture (SM) and vapor pressure deficit (VPD) on vegetation dynamics were analyzed based on an improved partial wavelet coherence (PWC). The results show that the average response time of vegetation to the cumulative and lagged effects of drought was mostly concentrated within 4–6 months, and the lagged effect was stronger than the cumulative effect. The vegetation response to drought is nonlinear along the precipitation gradient. The SPEI values for triggering mild vegetation loss (below the 40th percentile) drought threshold range from −0.7 to −1.0, while the SPEI values for triggering severe vegetation loss (below the 10th percentile) drought threshold range from −2.0 to −2.5. The SM was the main driver affecting vegetation dynamics. This study provides deeper insight into the response of vegetation to drought in the arid zone of CA, which will further provide theoretical support for addressing global climate change and extreme drought events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon dioxide emissions have partially been attributed to urban areas. Nevertheless, cities provide valuable ecosystem services such as carbon storage. The aim of this study is to estimate the carbon storage of Morus alba trees as a dominant species in the urban forest of Mendoza city. A stratified random sampling was selected for both urban and suburban areas. Trees were analyzed considering the following parts: stem, primary and secondary branches, and leaves. Underground dry matter was also estimated. Tree dry matter was distributed as follows: crown 53%, stem 25%, root 20%, and leaf 2%. Considering the total M. alba coverage, the urban area accumulates 24,208 tonnes and the suburban area 43,000 tonnes of carbon, from which 544.6 tonnes (1998.6 t CO2) and 1123.3 tonnes (4,118.8 t CO2) are annually removed by leaves. These quantities are relevant considering the 13,000 t/year of CO released to the atmosphere in Mendoza city. The accumulated carbon values evidence the importance of preservation and conservation tasks that are essential in the management of the urban forest located in drylands.

Genotype by environment (GE) interaction complicates selection process of desirable genotypes. Therefore, newly developed germplasm or genotypes needs to be evaluated in multi-environment trials (METs) to know yield potential and adaptability. This experiment was designed to interpret GE interaction using 55 F5:8 bread wheat recombinant inbred lines (RILs) with five checks. Experimental material was planted using alpha lattice design in two replicates at Peshawar (E1and E5), Kohat (E2 and E6), Sarai Naurang (E3 and E7) and Dera Ismail Khan (E4 and E8) (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) during 2014/15 and 2015/16. Locations in each year were considered as independent environments. Pooled ANOVA revealed significant interaction due to GE for days to heading, days to maturity, grain filling duration, grain growth rate, grains spike-1, 1000-grain weight and grain yield. Averaged over eight environments, wheat RIL's 44, 55, and 25 were desirable for days to heading, days to maturity, grain filling duration, grain growth rate, grains spike-1 and grain yield. Mean grain yield ranged from 1613 to 2471 kg ha-1 across environments. Among the tested environments, Sarai Naurang (E3 and E7) was identified as highly productive environment. The RIL25 had superior performance for various traits. Wheat RIL25 produced maximum grain yield in E2 (3123 kg ha-1), E3 (3665 kg ha-1) and E7 (3256 kg ha-1), thus emerged as promising line with wider adaptation. Conversely, RIL24 had higher grain yield in E1 (2800 kg ha-1); RIL1 in E4 (2884 kg ha-1); RIL58 in E5 (2370 kg ha-1); RIL7 in E6 (3200 kg ha-1) and RIL53 in E8 (2339 kg ha-1) suggesting their specific adaptability to respective environments. Grain yield was significantly correlated with days to heading, grain growth rate and grains spike-1. Keeping in view the significance of GE interaction, it would be worthwhile to carryout stability analysis for identifying high yielding RILs with suitable stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines factors influencing the adoption of alternative response to Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) among smallholder beef producers in the dry lands of Africa, specifically, North East district in Botswana. Principal component analysis was used to categorise FMD responses. Thereafter, a multivariate probit regression model was used to examine the effect of socioeconomic and institutional factors on the adoption of alternative responses to FMD. The study found that household size, opportunity cost incurred, frequency of contact with extension officers, training received on FMD, distance to the nearest market, as well as distance to grazing and water areas had a positive effect on the adoption of alternative responses to the outbreak. We conclude that although producers are aware of the detriments of FMD to their livelihoods, some still choose not to adopt the responses and socioeconomic and institutional characteristics play a role. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forage production is primarily limited by weather conditions under dryland production systems in Brazilian semi-arid regions, therefore sowing at the appropriate time is critical. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the CSM-CERES-Pearl Millet model from the DSSAT software suite for its ability to simulate growth, development, and forage accumulation of pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R.] at three Brazilian semi-arid locations, and to use the model to study the impact of different sowing dates on pearl millet performance for forage. Four pearl millet cultivars were grown during the 2011 rainy season in field experiments conducted at three Brazilian semi-arid locations, under rainfed conditions. The genetic coefficients of the four pearl millet cultivars were calibrated for the model, and the model performance was evaluated with experimental data. The model was run for 14 sowing dates using long-term historical weather data from three locations, to determine the optimum sowing window. Results showed that performance of the model was satisfactory as indicated by accurate simulation of crop phenology and forage accumulation against measured data. The optimum sowing window varied among locations depending on rainfall patterns, although showing the same trend for cultivars within the site. The best sowing windows were from 15 April to 15 May for the Bom Conselho location; 12 April to 02 May for Nossa Senhora da Gloria; and 17 April to 25 May for Sao Bento do Una. The model can be used as a tool to evaluate the effect of sowing date on forage pearl millet performance in Brazilian semi-arid conditions.

This study determined the social vulnerability index (SoVI) of households to climate change impacts for three identified locations (upper, mid and lower) in the Vea catchment, semi-arid Ghana. This study adapted the social, economic and demographic indicator approach. The data used were obtained from a survey of 186 randomly sampled farm households and direct field measurements of 738 farm plots belonging to the same sampled farm households. Information from the literature, expert judgement and principal component analysis were useful for computing and analysing the SoVI. The variables were normalized, weighted and subsequently recombined to determine the index of the three locations towards climate change. Although the SoVI to climate change was highest (0.77) for the upper part of the catchment, the mid- and lower parts of the catchment show a high SoVI of 0.72 each. The overall SoVI for the catchment is 0.73. The study re-emphasizes the high vulnerability level of dry areas to climate change. Moreover, it shows there is variability at micro-scale. There is a need to put appropriate measures to address the vulnerability of households to climate change in the semi-arid areas of West Africa. Factors aggravating dry land’s vulnerability towards climate change should be prevented with implementable policies. Furthermore, it is important to identify conditions that have made some areas less vulnerable to climate change, and then, we can work out the possibility of adapting such to the vulnerable places. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ecosystem evapotranspiration (ET) can approach annual precipitation (P) often leaving a residual [P‐ET], referred to as an ecosystem water yield (WYe). Using a mobile lab, we estimate ET and WYe, in paired forest and nonforest (shrub or grassland) sites along the precipitation gradient (285–755 mm a−1) in Israel. WYe was 69 mm in the dry sites and was further reduced by ∼51 mm by forestation. Both WYe and the impact of forestation increased in the wetter sites, with forestation reducing WYe by >200 mm, equivalent to ∼30% of the local P. This was associated with increase in ET by a factor of 2.2 and 1.8 in the forest and nonforest sites, respectively, along the rainfall gradient. Losses in WYe due to forestation approached a maximum of ∼200 mm above P ∼ 500 mm, but the forest WYe could vary between ∼300 mm at P = 900 mm and ∼100 mm at P = 500 mm (with equivalent change in WYe between 500 and 300 mm in the nonforest sites), reflecting the increasing "hydrological cost" associated with vegetation ET and the expected climate change in these regions. The results quantify the interactions of land use and climate on ecosystem ET, indicating that in dry climates, afforestation impact on WYe varies significantly across small spatial scales and can reduce WYe with significant impacts on local hydrology. Such impact may be diminished by management (e.g., plant species, thinning, and grazing) but should also consider the trade‐offs with other ecosystem services (e.g., carbon sequestration, soil protection, and surface cooling). Key Points: In dry climate ecosystem, evapotranspiration approaches precipitation with small residual "ecosystem water yield"Along a rainfall gradient of 285–755 mm, forestation can reduces ecosystem water yield by >200 mm, equivalent to ∼30% of the local rainfallAt the wet sites, ET is near constant with water yields reflecting changes in P and the increasing hydrological cost of forestation [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forage cactus is an important dry-season feed source for livestock in semi-arid regions, but in north-eastern Brazil, its contribution is limited by susceptibility to the carmine cochineal [ Dactylopius opuntiae (Cockerell)] insect. New cactus germplasm shows superior agronomic performance, but the nutritive value of this material has not been adequately described. The objective of the current study was to assess the divergence in chemical composition and rate and extent of in vitro degradation of these genotypes. The treatments were 13 spineless cactus genotypes, eight of which were insect resistant types, two semi-resistant and three susceptible to the carmine cochineal. Treatments were arranged in a randomized complete block design and were replicated three times. Nutritional divergence was assessed using canonical variate analysis and hierarchical agglomerative clustering, using the variables: crude protein, total and non-fibrous carbohydrates, degradation rate and potential dry matter degradation. Five distinct nutritional groups were identified: Group I (OO), Group II (F-13 and F-15), Group III (OEA, OEM, COP, IPA 20 and GG), Group IV (V-16 and F-08) and Group V (Miuda, IS and F-21). Group II (F-13 and F-15; resistant genotypes) showed a chemical composition degradability in vitro suggesting it may have the greatest nutritive value as ruminant feed, while Group I had the least. Spineless cactus genotypes resistant to the carmine cochineal showed nutritional characteristics similar to or better than traditionally used cactus genotypes, such as Gigante and IPA 20, which can expand the range of options for using this forage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forage production is primarily limited by weather conditions under dryland production systems in Brazilian semi-arid regions, therefore sowing at the appropriate time is critical. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the CSM-CERES-Pearl Millet model from the DSSAT software suite for its ability to simulate growth, development, and forage accumulation of pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R.] at three Brazilian semi-arid locations, and to use the model to study the impact of different sowing dates on pearl millet performance for forage. Four pearl millet cultivars were grown during the 2011 rainy season in field experiments conducted at three Brazilian semi-arid locations, under rainfed conditions. The genetic coefficients of the four pearl millet cultivars were calibrated for the model, and the model performance was evaluated with experimental data. The model was run for 14 sowing dates using long-term historical weather data from three locations, to determine the optimum sowing window. Results showed that performance of the model was satisfactory as indicated by accurate simulation of crop phenology and forage accumulation against measured data. The optimum sowing window varied among locations depending on rainfall patterns, although showing the same trend for cultivars within the site. The best sowing windows were from 15 April to 15 May for the Bom Conselho location; 12 April to 02 May for Nossa Senhora da Gloria; and 17 April to 25 May for Sao Bento do Una. The model can be used as a tool to evaluate the effect of sowing date on forage pearl millet performance in Brazilian semi-arid conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon dioxide emissions have partially been attributed to urban areas. Nevertheless, cities provide valuable ecosystem services such as carbon storage. The aim of this study is to estimate the carbon storage ofMorus albatrees as a dominant species in the urban forest of Mendoza city. A stratified random sampling was selected for both urban and suburban areas. Trees were analyzed considering the following parts: stem, primary and secondary branches, and leaves. Underground dry matter was also estimated. Tree dry matter was distributed as follows: crown 53%, stem 25%, root 20%, and leaf 2%. Considering the totalM. albacoverage, the urban area accumulates 24,208 tonnes and the suburban area 43,000 tonnes of carbon, from which 544.6 tonnes (1998.6 t CO2) and 1123.3 tonnes (4,118.8 t CO2) are annually removed by leaves. These quantities are relevant considering the 13,000 t/year of CO released to the atmosphere in Mendoza city. The accumulated carbon values evidence the importance of preservation and conservation tasks that are essential in the management of the urban forest located in drylands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pearl millet ( Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R.) is an important forage crop for livestock in semiarid regions, but the use of Brazilian genotypes for silage production in northeastern Brazil has not been adequately described. The objective was to assess the divergence in agronomic traits of five Brazilian pearl millet cultivars, for silage production, at two Brazilian semiarid locations. The treatments were five pearl millet cultivars, ' IPA Bulk1 BF', ' BRS 1501', ' CMS-03', ' CMS-01' and ' ADR 300', which were arranged in a randomized complete block design and were replicated five times. Agronomic divergence was assessed using canonical variate analysis and agglomerative hierarchical clustering. Dry matter yield ranged from 7.6 to 14.1 Mg ha−1 and digestible dry matter yield ranged from 3.7 to 7.2 Mg ha−1. The plant height ranged from 144 to 184 cm and harvest index ranged from 21.6 to 36.4%. Average panicle proportion was of 30.6%, while 13.3 and 55.9% was observed for leaf and stem proportion, respectively. Three distinct agronomic groups were identified: Group I (' IPA Bulk1 BF' and ' ADR 300'), Group II (' CMS-03' and ' CMS-01') and Group III (' BRS 1501'). Group II had the greatest agronomic value for performance variables while Group III had the least. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies on cactus carried out mainly in Mendoza plain, Argentina, and in other country areas were reported. Variations in nutrient contents with three cladode age classes were examined for seven Opuntia forage clones. For all age classes combined, clones showed high organic matter: 84.4%, in vitro organic matter digestibility: 78.9% and low crude protein (CP) content: 4.0%. High doses of fertilizer almost doubled the mean CP content of the cladodes from O. ficus-indica (L.) Mill. x O. lindheimerii Engelm. cross when it was compared with the treatment in which no fertilizer was added (7.8 and 4.3%, respectively). The response to fertilization at the highest application rate was near 4-fold increase over the biomass of the zero fertilization treatment, 3.2 to 12.7 kg DM plant-1. Of this cross, clone 42 produced a dry matter (DM) biomass of 40 t DM ha-1 in 4 years with a total of 625 mm rainfall which is the greatest DM production recorded to date for such a low rainfall. O. spinulifera Salm-Dyck f. nacuniana Le Houér. appears to be the most promising species for forage production in areas with extremely cold winters. Clones 46, 80, 83, 89 and 94 had zero frost damage. Economic analysis of Opuntia plantations and the use of cactus for replacing corn in small ruminant diet were included. The cost-benefit relationship of using pre-emergent herbicides on biomass production and fertilizer application on biomass production and protein levels were analyzed. The cactus/corn cost relationship indicated the possibility of replacing corn by cactus in small ruminant diet.

In West Africa, the most extreme predicted effects of climate change are expected to occur in desert and grassland areas. It is crucial for local populations in this region to better understand what such projections signify to them to identify sound adaptation policies and interventions. We developed a game, called the "grazing game," and conducted trials with local farmers at multiple study sites as a learning tool to better understand their behavior in response to climate variability under semiarid conditions in West Africa and to facilitate social learning. The grazing game was designed to reveal the processes that lead to overgrazing and desertification based on the players' interactions with environmental conditions and their resulting decisions. We conducted a total of 23 game trials around the Vea catchment of the Upper East Region of Ghana involving 243 individual farmers. From the games, local farmers exhibited a very positive response to how the game replicated rainfall fluctuations that they currently experience and led to the identification of coping strategies, such as selling cows, seeking government assistance, and engaging in alternative livelihood means. Participating farmers tended to avoid uncertain situations and sought to simplify their decisions, and the game provided insight into the rich local ecological knowledge of environmental indicators. Based on the game trial results, we found that the game facilitated instrumental and communicative learning among the players and facilitators. Further, the game served as a platform where players could share their views, knowledge, and perceptions of climate-related issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water scarcity and land degradation are emerging threats to global food production. The dry land regions of world are affected by climate change to a greater extent and facing food insecurity. The current pattern of food production has been estimated to be inadequate to meet demands of growing population and required around 38% increase to meet world`s food demands by 2025. Food insecurity in erosion hit dry land regions of Pakistan also demands development of resource-efficient cropping systems to meet the food needs of population growing. The research studies involved different cropping patterns such as fallow-wheat, mungbeanwheat, sorghum-wheat, fallow-lentil, mungbean-lentil, sorghum-lentil, fallowbarley, mungbean-barley and sorghumbarley. The organic amendments involved farmyard manure, NPK, poultry manure, compost and inoculation by phosphorus solubilizing microbes. The effect of cropping systems and soil amendments were evaluated at field scale in terms of water use efficiency measured in terms of economic terms. The results of the studies revealed that double cropping (mungbean-lentil and mungbean-barley) was feasible option in the dryland regions of Pakistan if integrated with the use of poultry manure as alternate environmental-friendly strategy to cut down the use of mineral fertilizers and eliminate summer fallowing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Water–Energy–Food (WEF) nexus is a development challenge in the Arab world, particularly in the ‘core nexus countries’ with low to mid-incomes in which limited water endowments permit agricultural production, such as Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, Lebanon, Algeria, Sudan and Jordan. The WEF nexus is often conceptualized in mere technocratic terms, yet politics matter in the implementation of projects that address it. Internalizing hydrological externalities or leaving them as they are and financing them as a public good requires states whose capacities have been reduced as a result of neoliberal reform. The article explores five different pathways of how Arab countries could finance green growth projects ranging from regional financial markets to concessionary loans by funds from oil rich Gulf countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Studies on cactus carried out mainly in Mendoza plain, Argentina, and in other country areas were reported. Variations in nutrient contents with three cladode age classes were examined for seven Opuntia forage clones. For all age classes combined, clones showed high organic matter: 84.4%, in vitro organic matter digestibility: 78.9% and low crude protein (CP) content: 4.0%. High doses of fertilizer almost doubled the mean CP content of the cladodes from O. ficus-indica (L.) Mill. x O. lindheimerii Engelm. cross when it was compared with the treatment in which no fertilizer was added (7.8 and 4.3%, respectively). The response to fertilization at the highest application rate was near 4-fold increase over the biomass of the zero fertilization treatment, 3.2 to 12.7 kg DM plant-1. Of this cross, clone 42 produced a dry matter (DM) biomass of 40 t DM ha-1 in 4 years with a total of 625 mm rainfall which is the greatest DM production recorded to date for such a low rainfall. O. spinulifera Salm-Dyck f. nacuniana Le Houér. Appears to be the most promising species for forage production in areas with extremely cold winters. Clones 46, 80, 83, 89 and 94 had zero frost damage. Economic analysis of Opuntia plantations and the use of cactus for replacing corn in small ruminant diet were included. The cost-benefit relationship of using pre-emergent herbicides on biomass production and fertilizer application on biomass production and protein levels were analyzed. The cactus/corn cost relationship indicated the possibility of replacing corn by cactus in small ruminant diet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In West Africa, the most extreme predicted effects of climate change are expected to occur in desert and grassland areas. It is crucial for local populations in this region to better understand what such projections signify to them to identify sound adaptation policies and interventions. We developed a game, called the "grazing game," and conducted trials with local farmers at multiple study sites as a learning tool to better understand their behavior in response to climate variability under semiarid conditions in West Africa and to facilitate social learning. The grazing game was designed to reveal the processes that lead to overgrazing and desertification based on the players' interactions with environmental conditions and their resulting decisions. We conducted a total of 23 game trials around the Vea catchment of the Upper East Region of Ghana involving 243 individual farmers. From the games, local farmers exhibited a very positive response to how the game replicated rainfall fluctuations that they currently experience and led to the identification of coping strategies, such as selling cows, seeking government assistance, and engaging in alternative livelihood means. Participating farmers tended to avoid uncertain situations and sought to simplify their decisions, and the game provided insight into the rich local ecological knowledge of environmental indicators. Based on the game trial results, we found that the game facilitated instrumental and communicative learning among the players and facilitators. Further, the game served as a platform where players could share their views, knowledge, and perceptions of climate-related issues.

Migration is considered as the most important strategy for insuring household food security and livelihood diversification in marginal and vulnerable area against natural and human induced stress. This paper presents some key results from a study conducted in the dry mountainous region of Pakistan to evaluate the determinants of migration and measure its effect in environmental restoration. Primary data were collected through questionnaires covering 465 randomly selected households, indepth interviews and focus group discussions at community level. 6 villages of district Karak were selected through stratified sampling for detailed survey. Our findings reveal that migration is adopted as a fundamental response to decreased and uncertain agricultural production due to environmental stress. It has enhanced the adoptive capacity through raised living standard, socio economic uplift and women empowerment at household level in recipient households. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water scarcity constrains the livelihoods of millions of people in tropical drylands. Tree planting in these environments is generally discouraged due to the large water consumption by trees, but this view may neglect their potential positive impacts on water availability. The effect of trees on soil hydraulic properties linked to groundwater recharge is poorly understood. In this study, we performed 18 rainfall simulations and tracer experiments in an agroforestry parkland in Burkina Faso to investigate the effect of trees and associated termite mounds on soil infiltrability and preferential flow. The sampling points were distributed in transects each consisting of three positions: (i) under a single tree, (ii) in the middle of an open area, and (iii) under a tree associated with a termite mound. The degree of preferential flow was quantified through parameters based on the dye infiltration patterns, which were analyzed using image analysis of photographs. Our results show that the degree of preferential flow was highest under trees associated with termite mounds, intermediate under single trees, and minimal in the open areas. Tree density also had an influence on the degree of preferential flow, with small open areas having more preferential flow than large ones. Soil infiltrability was higher under single trees than in the open areas or under trees associated with a termite mound. The findings from this study demonstrate that trees have a positive impact on soil hydraulic properties influencing groundwater recharge, and thus such effects must be considered when evaluating the impact of trees on water resources in drylands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Date palm (Phoenix dactylifera) is a significant and developing crop especially in the Arabian Peninsula, the Middle East and North Africa regions. The area under cultivation of this tree is increasing annually. Date palms usually grown under harsh and unfavorable growing conditions with low rainfall and high rates of evaporation as well as in soils with low organic matter and nutrient deficiencies. Hence, date palm cultivation becomes dependent on application of high levels of fertilizers as well as on irrigation. This may lead to salinization of soil and leaching of nutrients to deep soils that might affect ground water. Therefore, it is important that date palm plantations are managed in a sustainable way to reduce the impact of date palm cultivation on ecosystems while maximizing dates yield through using such practices as mycorrhizal fungi technology. The application of mycorrhizal fungi technology is an option that can benefit both agronomic plant health and ecosystems. Mycorrhizae confer numerous benefits to host plants including improved plant growth and mineral nutrition, water uptake, tolerance to diseases and stresses such as drought, temperature fluctuation, metal toxicity and salinity. Mycorrhizae may also play a role in the formation of stable soil aggregates, building up a macro porous structure of soil that allows penetration of water and air and prevents erosion. All of these beneficial effects on plant health and soil fitness mean that mycorrhizae have the potential to increase agricultural productivity and are crucial for the sustainable functioning of agricultural ecosystems. This study provides an insight into the application of mycorrhizae in date palm cultivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Calculations of dry tree, plot and regional aboveground biomass, M, and assessments of complex diverse forests remain key challenges in the implementation of conventional and sustainable projects. This study reports a set of robust regional equations and the application of several allometric tree and plot M equations in Mexican arid and semi-arid forest communities. The data were collected from 1084 tree M fitting models, and 195 arid and semi-arid and 206 mesquite trees and 55 plot datasets were used to validate the models. Theoretical, semi-empirical and empirical models with exogenous variables, as well as wood specific gravity, diameter, top height, and form-factor values, were used to evaluate aboveground biomass. Empirical computer-based equations projected more consistently similar tree M assessments than did semi-empirical or theoretical models. Therefore, empirical models are recommended for assessments of tree and plot M, and future allometry research should properly address independent variables in more theoretical models. The large sample size, model richness, economic and ecological importance, and wide coverage of this dataset make it useful for estimating several biogeochemical and bioenergy density parameters and contribute to the body of knowledge regarding heterogeneity in dry forest stand structures. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Desertification is considered a global environmental problem with political and socioeconomic implications. Desertification, exacerbated by climate change, is the largest environmental problem in Chile affecting almost two third of the national territory. This study takes place in a latitudinal gradient of the north-central Chilean drylands, where desertification is a threat to agriculture, livestock and forestry (ALF). In the context of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) and the implementation of the Chilean National Action Programme (NAP), the country is conducting policies and investing in mitigation strategies to combat land degradation and desertification. The main objective of this paper is the development of an integrative methodological approach using real data of the territorial and socioeconomic indicators. With the proposed methodology we assess the impact of the mitigation and land degradation strategies supported by the ALF promotion agencies in the fight against desertification, projecting different scenarios of change. The data were collected in 2008 in Santiago, Chile. The results of the Principal Component Analysis (PCA) suggest that technical irrigation and the improvement of grasslands and pastures play an important role in the fight against desertification. The results of the model projections are consistent, suggesting that the efforts of the ALF promotion agencies have a positive impact in fighting desertification. Inaction of ALF mitigation strategies would increase desertification. This methodological approach, performed with real data, is a contribution for the development of integrative assessments, for replication and for forthcoming discussions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]